Protecting American Energy Production Act

Bill Number: H.R. 26
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Energy
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-02-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-07-11T02:38:25Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Protecting American Energy Production Act (H.R. 26) aims to protect the continued use of hydraulic fracturing—commonly known as fracking, a process that injects high-pressure fluid into underground rock to extract oil and natural gas—by limiting federal interference and affirming state authority over its regulation on state and private lands.

Key Provisions

Sense of Congress: Expresses that states should have primary (or leading) control over regulating fracking for oil and natural gas production on state-owned and private lands.
Prohibition on Moratorium: Prevents the President from declaring a nationwide moratorium (temporary ban) on fracking unless explicitly authorized by a new law passed by Congress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a restriction on executive authority, requiring congressional approval for any presidential moratorium on fracking, which was not previously mandated by law. It builds on existing federalism principles by reinforcing state primacy without altering current state-level regulations.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Limits the executive branch's (e.g., President's or Department of the Interior's) ability to impose quick federal bans, potentially reducing administrative burdens on agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency that might enforce such policies.
Citizens: Could benefit workers and communities in energy-producing regions by maintaining jobs and production, but may concern those worried about environmental risks like water contamination from fracking.
International Relations: Indirectly supports U.S. energy independence, potentially strengthening the country's position in global oil and gas markets by ensuring steady domestic production.

Main Stakeholders Affected

States: Gain reinforced authority over fracking regulations, particularly in energy-rich areas like Texas and Pennsylvania.
Energy Industry: Oil and natural gas producers benefit from protection against federal bans, supporting ongoing operations and investments.
Environmental and Public Health Groups: May face challenges in advocating for federal-level restrictions on fracking due to the new barriers to executive action.
Federal Government: The executive branch loses unilateral power to pause fracking, shifting decision-making toward Congress.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Constitutional: Reinforces federalism (the division of power between federal and state governments) under the 10th Amendment, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.
Legal: Creates a statutory barrier to executive orders or actions that could halt fracking, potentially leading to court challenges if a President attempts a moratorium without congressional backing.
Political: Highlights debates over energy policy, states' rights, and environmental regulation; as a House-passed bill referred to the Senate's Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, it signals partisan divides on fossil fuel production versus climate goals.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Goldman, Craig [R-TX-12], Rep. Meuser, Daniel [R-PA-9], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Fedorchak, Julie [R-ND-At Large], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. McGuire, John [R-VA-5], Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36]

Recent Actions

2025-02-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-02-07: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-02-07: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 226 - 188 (Roll no. 35). (text: CR H561) (Roll call 35)
2025-02-07: Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 226 - 188 (Roll no. 35). (Roll call 35)
2025-02-07: On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 207 (Roll no. 34). (Roll call 34)
2025-02-07: The previous question on the motion to recommit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.
2025-02-07: Mr. Casten moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H568)
2025-02-07: The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
2025-02-07: DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 26.
2025-02-07: Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 5. (consideration: CR H561-569)
2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
2025-01-03: Introduced in House
2025-01-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Protecting American Energy Production Act — issued 2025-02-07 — PDF (4 pages)
Protecting American Energy Production Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (2 pages)
Protecting American Energy Production Act — issued 2025-02-10 — PDF (2 pages)